Young people in the South Lakes are being encouraged to apply for a new railcard.

A leading Ulverston councillor has written to schools across the area, asking teachers to encourage their students to take advantage of a new railcard for 16 and 17 year olds.

The new railcard will guarantee 50 per cent off all rail travel until the card holder reaches their 18th birthday, expecting to benefit up to 1.2 million young people.

The release of the railcard, in time for new school year, follows the hugely successful launch of the 26-30 railcard earlier this year, when 11,000 cards were sold on the first day alone.

Now all young adults, will benefit from cut price fares.

Mr Airey said: “Thousands of young people across the country rely on trains to get to school, college and work, and the Conservatives are determined to ensure that fares are affordable for them.”